Today's high-tech monitors that rely on LCD technology can develop problems that range from flickering to overheating, and Sharp monitors aren't immune. Many of these problems aren't permanent and may occur in response to your actions or environmental changes. With an understanding of how a Sharp LCD monitor works, you can troubleshoot common problems and correct them yourself to minimize interruptions in your workflow.

Power Issues

Your computer may run perfectly, but when your monitor goes blank while you’re working on an important business task, you may lose time and money. If your monitor doesn't display a picture, verify that the power cord from the power source to the AC input terminal on the left side of the monitor in the back connects snugly. Also locate the monitor’s main power switch, sitting next to that terminal, and turn it on. When you switch the main power switch on and off repeatedly, Sharp recommends that you wait five seconds or more between switching changing switch positions.

Accidental Standby Mode

Your Sharp monitor has an Adjustment Lock feature that enables you to disable the power switch. Access that feature by pressing your remote control unit's "Size" button for about five seconds and then pressing its arrow navigation keys. You can then press "Right" to view the on-screen menu that displays the Adjustment Lock menu item. Press the menu's arrow keys until the value next to that item changes to Off.

Incorrect Input Mode

Sharp LCD monitors have several sockets into which you can connect external devices. For example, you might have a computer plugged into an HDMI input and a DVD player connected to the monitor via three component video plugs. For one of these video sources to appear on your monitor, you must select the correct input mode. Do this by pressing your remote control's "Input" button to view a list of inputs on-screen. You can then press the remote navigation keys to highlight the desired input. Pressing the "Right" arrow button selects that input. An incorrect input mode setting can also prevent audio from playing through your monitor.

Rising Temperatures

If your monitor makes a crackling noise, it's not making popcorn. Sharp says that this sound is normal and can occur when temperature changes. However, if the word "Temperature" appears on-screen and your monitor enters standby mode, your power LED will flash green and red. When that happens, move the monitor away from anything that might be covering its vents. If nothing blocks the vents, turn the power switch off and back on again. Dust inside the monitor can also cause overheating. If you think that dust may be an issue, contact your Sharp representative for instructions on removing it. High temperatures can also cause the monitor's brightness to decrease and the words "Auto Dimming" to appear on-screen.

About the Author

After majoring in physics, Kevin Lee began writing professionally in 1989 when, as a software developer, he also created technical articles for the Johnson Space Center. Today this urban Texas cowboy continues to crank out high-quality software as well as non-technical articles covering a multitude of diverse topics ranging from gaming to current affairs.